Hip Hop's Girl Next Door

#ForeverYoung: Trayvon Martin–This Generation’s Fight for #CHANGE

July 22, 2013

The #LifeAsShay Report:

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The civil unrest since the Martin-Zimmerman verdict last week is felt by all in America and as a result rallies, vigils and gatherings have taken place in various cities around the country over the last 7 days.

As President of the National Action Network, Al Sharpton announced to the country a national day in support of “Justice for Trayvon Martin.” The #100CityVigils was a series of peaceful rallies that took place Saturday, July 20, 2013 with the purpose of pressing the federal government to take action in filing Civil Rights charges against George Zimmerman.

Early Saturday morning, I had the honor of attending the #100CityVigil hosted by the Los Angeles branch of the National Action Network, held at the Federal Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.

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Young and Old, there were people of all races, creeds, colors and nationalities #STANDING together for Trayvon Martin. The feeling of unity was overwhelming and I felt myself tingle as warm tears streamed down my face. How amazing this experience was, I felt as if I was in the 1960’s standing alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Freedom Fighter… fighting for a greater #CAUSE, for #CHANGE, for something bigger than myself. To connect with people of a kindred spirit of #PROGRESSION and #CHANGE was electrifying.

Several influential community leaders and activist organizations spoke with the message of #LOVE, #JUSTICE, #CHANGE and #PRAYER. We all looked on with compassion and optimism.

This weekend was a chance for ALL to actively and collectively express feelings on the case and verdict; finally having a means of sharing how this situation affected each of us. President Obama candidly addressed the nation on race relations and his experience as an African- American man in America. Supporters at the rallies held signs, presented artwork and wore t-shirts in expression of their thoughts. Even celebs like Jay-Z took the chance to share as he dedicated his New York City performance of “Forever Young” to Trayvon Martin. I rallied and wore a hoodie in silence in thoughtful remembrance of the little brother we lost, Trayvon Martin. #ForeverYoung.

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From the mouth of The Trayvon Martin Foundation ‘s Los Angeles Representative…we are working towards the days when “Black men no longer are profiled as potential burglars but as potential Presidents.”

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The Official #LifeAsShay Report—That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Remember, “Don’t take life too seriously, take it ONE DREAM at a time.”